Final Performances in the NextSteps Dance Season

Harbourfront Centre's NextSteps dance series winds down over the next few weeks with a final three productions. On Friday and Saturday, May 25 and 26, there's a choice of two different performances. At the Enwave Theatre, dancer and choreographer Bageshree Vaze (Raagini Dance, pictured) presents Damaru/Mudra, an evening of two works that explore the “Tandava/Lasya” (rhythmic and male versus lyrical and female) elements in classical Indian dance.

Andrea Nann collaborated on the choreography of Mudra, which means "hand gesture". She performs that work with accompaniment from Phil Strong, while Vaze dances in her solo creation Damaru, about the rhythm of the universe. Tabla virtuoso Vineet Vyas accompanies Vaze in Damaru. Dramaturgy and costume design are by artist Peter Chin.

On the same dates, at the Fleck Theatre, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre presents Arena, an evening of six contemporary dance works created by Sylvie Bouchard and CCDT artistic director Deborah Lundmark. Then from May 31 to June 2, Menaka Thakkar Dance Company closes the NextSteps season with two pieces: Sitayana and Prince Rama in the Wilderness, a pair of works from master choreographer Menaka Thakkar, also at the Fleck Theatre. For tickets and further information, call 416-973-4000 or visit Harbourfront Centre.